Ryanair reveals in-flight mobile phone service

20 February 2009 — 4:30 PM

A mobile phone service that can be used in-flight has been unveiled by Ryanair.

According to the Irish budget airline, passengers who are on Vodafone or O2 can use their used mobile phones onboard 20 of its OnAir-enabled aircraft.

It is hoped the entire fleet of 700 aeroplanes will be able to allow people to use their devices.

Prices to use the service include sending text messages for 0.50 (£0.44), while calls will based on international roaming rates that vary between 2 and 3.

Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, said: "Today's launch by Ryanair and OnAir is the first step to offering in-flight mobile phone services onboard our entire fleet of over 170 aircraft over the next 18 months."

He added the airline expected customer demand to "grow rapidly".

Established in 1985 by the Ryan family, Ryanair's initial staff headcount was 25.

In 2009, the airline employs 5,961 people and expects to carry 58 million passengers over the course of the year.